Strict rules mean they can only be sold around celebrations such as Bonfire Night and Christmas and New Year.

But Rochdale trader Siraz Yusuf sold them outside the defined period without the required `all year round' licence issued by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Yusuf, of M and H tobacconists on Yorkshire Street, pleaded guilty to selling fireworks without a licence and falsification of documentation under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

For the first offence he was fined £3,000, which was reduced to £2,000 due to his guilty plea, and for the second he was fined £1,200, reduced to £800.

He must also pay legal costs of £675 to the fire service.

Yusuf was convicted in 2006 in a separate prosecution by Trading Standards officers of selling fireworks to children, something he failed to mention while applying for a new licence. Mr Yusuf said he was `very disappointed' with the fine, which he claimed was a result of a misunderstanding after a Hindu celebration.

He said: "I back the anti-social behaviour campaigns in Rochdale - that's why I do not have a year round licence.

Misunderstanding

"This was just a misunderstanding by a member of staff the day after Divali.

"We were actually getting rid of the fireworks at the time.

"I thought that my backing of the campaign to reduce anti-social behaviour would have counted in my favour but I was told they wanted to make an example of me."

Under legislation introduced in 2005 aimed at cracking down on the nuisance fireworks can cause, shopkeepers who wish to sell fireworks can apply for two types of licence.

One is a year round licence and the other allows traders to sell fireworks in set time periods around Bonfire Night, the New Year, the Asian Divali celebration and the Chinese New Year.

Steve Beckley, Assistant County Fire Officer, welcomed the prosecution. He said: "This decision sends out a clear message that selling fireworks outside the prescribed periods will not be tolerated.

"Pursuing cases like this is one method of addressing the anti-social behaviour related to the use and abuse of fireworks."

The M.E.N. has campaigned for a ban on over-the-counter sale of fireworks.